UP Visayas hosts forum on sustainable development, blue economy

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By Mariela Angella Oladive

The University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV), in collaboration with the Institute of Contemporary Economics, recently held a public forum on sustainable development, social equity, and policy toward a blue economy at the UPV Little Theater on Wednesday, August 20.

The forum highlighted the importance of science-based legislation and interdisciplinary approaches in addressing pressing issues such as poverty, hunger, and environmental degradation.

Keynote speaker Senator Loren Legarda emphasized the critical role of policies grounded in scientific research and data in achieving sustainability.

“Sustainability is complex and multifaceted. Achieving it requires policies grounded in scientific research and data, ensuring that it creates impact and demands the application of the economic, social, and human dimensions—the interplay of science and policy that is the foundation of well-informed decisions,” she said.

Legarda further stressed that science-based legislation extends beyond environmental protection to also address social inequalities, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). She also lauded UP Visayas for launching the Master of Science in Sustainability (MScS) program.

UPV Chancellor Clement Camposano discussed the transdisciplinary nature of sustainability, with a particular focus on the blue economy.

“The idea of the blue economy suggests that sustainability must be grounded in the realities of different countries around the world. Another aspect of sustainability is that it is transdisciplinary. It encompasses a range of economic activities that are sustainable and equitable, involving the sea or coastal areas. What is sustainable must also be equitable. This concept highlights that while the question of what is sustainable can be settled by science, one cannot ignore the social dimension,” Camposano said, citing the needs of small-scale fisheries as an example.

“We need to complement the use of science with social science and humanities; we have to be transdisciplinary. Science is not something you do in isolation,” he added.

UP Los Baños Chancellor Jose V. Camacho Jr. highlighted the role of universities in promoting sustainability and social equity. He emphasized the importance of academic institutions not only expounding theories but also putting them into practice, urging stakeholders to share responsibility in promoting sustainable practices.

UP Professor and Scientist Dr. Wilfredo Campos, representing the National Consortium for Small-Scale Fisheries Research and Development (TBTI Philippines), discussed the challenges facing small-scale fisheries. He called for policies focused on recuperating and regaining the lost production caused by capture fishing.

The forum also saw the launch of the Panay Consortium Network for Sustainability.